How many suitcases can I bring on a cruise?

We allow an unlimited amount of luggage on board our ships, so long as each individual bag weighs under 23 kg. However, if your cruise includes a connecting flight you will need to be mindful of the luggage restrictions enforced by your airline.

What storage space is available in staterooms?

At a minimum, your suite or stateroom will be equipped with hanging space for long dresses and suits, as well as drawers and shelves where you can store smaller items. There’s a space beneath your bed for your suitcases, and in your bathroom, you’ll find ample space around the sink, as well as some shelving for toiletries and make-up. Each room also includes a small safe for valuables.

Can I bring food with me on board?

Yes, you may bring a small amount of dry, non-perishable, food items such as chips, nuts or cookies to consume within your stateroom or suite.

Do I need to bring sports equipment, or can I rent it?

Our gym and facilities provide state-of-the-art equipment, with all necessary requirements provided to you once on your ship, so there’s no need to bring anything of this nature with you.

Do the staterooms have an iron, or should I bring one?

Complimentary irons are available in each of the laundry rooms on board. Please do not bring travel irons with you as these are not permitted, and you will be asked to leave them at the terminal.

Do I need to pack towels?

No, you do not need to pack towels for your transatlantic cruise. Towels for your stateroom or suite , the spa , and the pools are provided to you on board.

Can you buy toiletries on board?

Yes. There are several shops on board where you can purchase items such as toothpaste, as well as shops selling make-up and fragrances. Shampoo, body wash, and soap are all provided complimentary in your suite or stateroom and will be refreshed as needed.

How does the laundry service work?

Each accommodations deck on board is equipped with self-service laundry facilities where you can wash, dry, and iron your clothes. There is also a paid laundry service available on board, details of which you will find in your suite or stateroom.

How many suits/dresses will I need?

On cruises of seven nights or more, we recommend bringing at least one formal outfit of either a tuxedo or a suit, or a cocktail or evening dress. If your voyage includes a formal night (this will appear as Gala Evening in your day-by-day itinerary when you log in to My Cunard ) we will let you know the theme in advance so you can pack accordingly.

How many swimsuits/bathing suits will I need?

This is entirely up to you. Your ship is equipped with a spa, pools, and whirlpools, so if you wish to use these facilities you will need to bring at least one piece of swimwear on board. There are self-service laundry facilities if you want to refresh your swimwear at any point during your voyage.

Yes. Each guest may bring either a bottle of wine, champagne, or sparkling wine on board. These must only be consumed within your suite or stateroom. Please note: any alcohol you purchase in port will not be permitted to be taken back to your stateroom and will be retained for you to collect prior to disembarkation.

What to pack for a transatlantic cruise

Your transatlantic packing guide.

If the best part of your cruise is the time you spend on board, a Transatlantic Crossing is definitely the cruise for you.

When sailing Transatlantic, it’s so important to double check you’ve packed everything you need – and that anything not permitted in your luggage gets left at home.

Transatlantic cruise packing essentials

The best place to begin when packing for a transatlantic cruise (or any cruise for that matter) is with the essentials, by which we mean the things that are an absolute must-have to bring with you.

Printed e-tickets and boarding passes for everyone in your traveling group.
Travel insurance documentation.
Your passport.
Any daily medications you take.
Any visa paperwork you need to present on arrival.
Any fit-to-travel documentation needed to sail.
International health cards that qualify you for medical care abroad.
Relevant flight information and documentation (should you be taking any flights).
Driver’s license and any relevant paperwork (should you plan to rent a car on shore).

Transatlantic cruise clothing guide

Once you’ve checked off the essentials, it’s time to start thinking about the clothes you’ll need. Sailing transatlantic means you’ll be spending the entirety of your cruise on your ship, and even though there’ll be some clothing stores on board, it’s still a good idea to pack for all occasions.

Transatlantic cruise daywear

No matter what activity interests you (even if it’s just relaxing with a good book) you’ll want to be comfy, so packing supportive shoes that are easy to walk in and relaxed clothing is a must. There’s no dress code during the day, so anything from jeans and leggings to jersey dresses, shorts, capri pants, cardigans and polo shirts goes. It’s really up to you.

Transatlantic cruise eveningwear and Gala Evenings

While most evenings you’ll be free to dress as you please, on two nights of your cruise we’ll throw a signature Cunard Gala Evening, inviting you to put on your finest eveningwear.

Formal dresses

Floor-length dresses in sumptuous silks. Ball gowns encrusted with jewels. And off-the-shoulder cocktail dresses that kiss every curve. When it comes to formal nights on board (we call them Gala Evenings) our guests really do dress to impress.

We theme these evenings to add even more of a sense of glamour to the occasion, and we communicate this in advance (via My Cunard) so you can pack accordingly. Popular themes include Black and White, Roaring Twenties, and Red and Gold. Whether you simply nod to the theme with an accessory or decide to go all out is entirely up to you.

A man and a woman in formal dress sip champagne and look at one another on deck as the sun sets behind them

Formal suits

Formal suits are only required on board a transatlantic cruise on Gala Evenings and, even then, there’s no pressure to dress up if you don’t want to. Most of our guests, however, look forward to the opportunity to put on a tuxedo for one night and channel their James Bond alter-ego.

Either a formal suit or nice dinner jacket, dress pants, shirt, and tie of any color will do just fine for Gala Evenings. And if you want to embrace the theme in your outfit choice, you’re more than welcome to do that too. We’ve had many gentlemen on board who’ve given their partners a run for their money when it comes to their Gala Evening attire.

Transatlantic cruise accessory packing list

When it comes to accessories, it’s important to think about daytime and evenings on board, as well as the types of activities you might want to take part in.

You may wish to add a little sparkle to your outfit in the evening with some jewelry or switch to a clutch bag at night to hold your lipstick, room key, and your Daily Program.

A bow tie or tie will be required on Gala Evenings, so make sure you pack at least one of these. Suspenders or a belt may also come in handy, and if you want to add a little splash of color or a touch of pizzazz on Gala Evenings, a pocket square is a great way to go about this.

Bathrobe and slippers - Web sales photography shot on board Queen Victoria for Cunard.
Picture date: Friday November 16, 2018.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
07544044177
chris@christopherison.com
www.christopherison.com

Transatlantic toiletries cruise packing list

Find a selection of luxury Penhaligon’s toiletries in your suite or stateroom (including hand soap, shampoo, and bath or shower gel).

Conditioner however isn’t provided, so you may wish to bring your own as well as any body lotions or moisturizers you use as part of your regular skincare routine.

Something else you’ll need to remember is toothpaste and your toothbrush, although there are shops on board should you forget these.

You can also find fragrances and cosmetics for sale in Queen Mary 2’s shopping boulevard, as well as beauty and grooming products in your ship’s spa and salon.

In the salon, an on-board manicurist is available if you’d like to get your nails professionally painted. And if you forget your beard trimmers you can always make an appointment with a barber, offering a range of men’s grooming treatments and products to purchase.

QM2 remastered stateroom, Asset Bank ID: 505

What not to pack for a cruise

There are certain things that aren’t permitted on board a cruise ship. For Cunard cruises, these include everyday items you use at home such as irons and extension cords, but also extend to things such as pool inflatables, compressed gas tanks, drones, and balloons.

As we security scan all luggage at the terminal, any prohibited items found will need to be removed from your suitcases or carry-on bags prior to boarding.

We highly recommend familiarizing yourself with our list of prohibited cruise items before packing for your cruise.

View list of prohibited items

Transatlantic cruise climates: how to pack for every season

Winter (October–March)

Sailing in winter means shorter, colder, and darker days, so packing cozy and warm layers is a must. Gloves, hats, and scarves, as well as a good winter coat, are essential if sailing at this time of year, particularly if you want to brave the elements out on deck. Fleece jackets, cardigans, and sweaters are also perfect winterwear.

Summer (June–August)

Be sure to bring your swimwear, sunglasses, and sandals, as well as some lotion as the UV at sea can be a lot higher when spending time outside. Summer clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, skirts and dresses are all fine to pack for the daytime. In the evenings, linen shirts, chinos, two-piece outfits, and a wrap are all fine for non-formal nights on board.

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Frequently asked questions about packing for a transatlantic cruise

Many electronics are allowed on board, with some exceptions; see our list of prohibited items for guidance. You’ll find UK and US charging points in suites and staterooms for you to charge your devices between uses. Please be respectful of other guests if using your electronics in public areas by using headsets or earphones where applicable so as not to play music or video aloud. Please also be aware that you will need to purchase a Wi-Fi package if you wish to use the Internet while on board.